ESPN has released its first-round mock draft for the 2026 NFL Draft, and it’s packed with surprises. Here are some of the top picks:
The Cleveland Browns have taken a familiar face with their No. 1 overall pick: Arch Manning, QB – Texas. The young quarterback is expected to be a franchise savior in Cleveland.
The New York Jets trade up to grab LaNorris Sellers, QB – South Carolina, with the second overall pick. ESPN predicts Sellers will be an enticing dual-threat QB and a valuable asset for the Jets.
The New Orleans Saints take Cade Klubnik, QB – Clemson, with the third overall pick. Klubnik had a career year in 2024 and could be the top pick next year.
In a surprising twist, the New York Giants grab Peter Woods, DT – Clemson, with the fourth overall pick. The trade is a mock one, but it shows the Giants are looking to strengthen their defense.
The Tennessee Titans take Caleb Downs, DB – Ohio State, with the fifth overall pick. Downs was a star at Alabama and became even better in just a year at Ohio State.
The Carolina Panthers grab Keldric Faulk, EDGE – Auburn, with the sixth overall pick. Faulk is a very disruptive pass rusher who could add to the Panthers’ young defense.
The Las Vegas Raiders need protection up front, and they take Spencer Fano, OT – Utah, with the seventh overall pick. Fano is regarded as the top tackle in the class and has NFL-ready length and footwork.
The New England Patriots get a pass rusher too, taking T.J. Parker, EDGE – Clemson, with the eighth overall pick. Parker had 11 sacks last year and forced six fumbles in 2024.
The Los Angeles Rams grab Sam Leavitt, QB – Arizona State, with the ninth overall pick. The fourth quarterback in the first round is a surprise pick for the Rams.
The Seattle Seahawks take Anthony Hill Jr., LB – Texas, with the tenth overall pick. Hill fits the mold of the Seahawks defense and could hit double digits in sacks this season.
The Indianapolis Colts grab Drew Allar, QB – Penn State, with the eleventh overall pick. The Cleveland Browns had a surprise first-round pick last year, but it looks like they’ll have to wait another year for their quarterback needs to be addressed.
As expected, many of these players are expected to declare for next year’s draft. Stay tuned for more updates on the 2026 NFL Draft!
Source: https://www.on3.com/pro/news/2026-nfl-draft-trades-rock-new-espn-mock-draft-from-field-yates